Image courtesy of Richtech Robotics Inc.

Richtech Robotics Launches AI Bartender Scorpion, Powered by NVIDIA

• Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• Richtech Robotics launched Scorpio, an AI-powered single-arm bartender robot supported by NVIDIA’s AI technology
• Scorpio will debut next Thursday at 1936 Wine and Spirits in New York
• Park 34 Liquor Store Inc. agreed to sell 500 Scorpio units within the next five years

The Nevada-based robotics company Richtech Robotics launched this Thursday a new AI-powered, single-arm beverage service robot called Scorpio, featuring wine-tasting and cocktail programs. The device, supported by NVIDIA’s AI technologies, has been designed to offer customers drink options depending on moods and preferences.

According to the press release , Scorpio will debut as a bartender in New York next Thursday 26th at its distributor’s location, Park 34 Liquor Store Inc.’s 1936 Wine and Spirits store. The robot will entertain customers with its friendly personality and deliver high-quality drinks and service.

“We are focused on providing solutions that streamline operations, increase efficiency, and create cash flow for our clients. With that focus, we are proud to unveil Scorpion, sleek in design, agile in its offerings, and eye-catching for customers,” said Matt Casella, President of Richtech Robotics. “By incorporating NVIDIA technologies with our own capabilities, we are helping elevate the industry to a new standard of precision and service.”

According to Richtech Robotics website , Scorpio can prepare a drink in one minute on average, supports up to 20 ingredients, works 24/7, and speaks four languages. Park 34 Liquor Store Inc. has agreed with Richtech Robotics to sell a minimum of 500 units within the next five years.

“We are excited to partner with Richtech Robotics and introduce Scorpion to our clientele,” said Damian Phillip, Vice President of Park34 Liquor Store Inc. “The combination of AI-powered customization and efficient service that Scorpion offers will bring a new level of innovation to the beverage industry.”

Scorpio has 95% accuracy in movement detection using the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform along with the NVIDIA DeepStream software development kit. The robot also includes NVIDIA Isaac ROS, a computing package that helps the robot avoid obstacles, recognize objects, and optimize its path and movements for more efficiency in complex environments.

NVIDIA has been producing high-quality AI technologies, building new alliances, and surpassing expected revenues this year, but its shares recently fell as investors believe that the company’s growth will begin to slow down.

Image by Studiogstock, from Freepik

Report Highlights Privacy Concerns And Data Retention Practices Of Social Media

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• FTC report reveals major privacy concerns.
• Companies retain extensive data indefinitely.
• Lack of transparency in data practices noted.

In a comprehensive report published today by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), findings reveal significant privacy concerns surrounding social media and video streaming services.

The report notes as these platforms become integral to daily life, they also build infrastructure for mass commercial surveillance, raising questions about user data privacy and market competition.

The FTC initiated its investigation in December 2020, issuing orders to nine major companies to disclose their data collection and usage practices.

The report highlights troubling trends: many companies amass extensive data on users and non-users alike, often retaining this information indefinitely.

This data includes personal details, online behaviors, and even demographic information purchased from data brokers.

Such practices can pose serious risks to privacy, with many firms lacking clear policies on data minimization and retention. In some cases, companies merely de-identify data rather than delete it upon user requests.

The advertising ecosystem also raises red flags. Many firms utilize personal data for targeted advertising, employing tracking technologies that consumers may not fully understand.

This opaque system complicates users’ ability to comprehend how their data is utilized for marketing purposes, often without their explicit consent.

Algorithmic decision-making plays a significant role in shaping user experiences, with companies leveraging AI and data analytics to recommend content and target ads.

However, users typically lack control over how their data is employed in these automated systems, particularly regarding sensitive inferences made about them. The report notes a lack of transparency and accountability in these processes, leading to potential harms, especially among children and teens.

While many companies claim to protect minors by adhering to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), the report criticizes these efforts as inadequate.

Firms often assert there are no child users on their platforms, disregarding the reality that children do access these services.

The FTC’s findings suggest a need for urgent reforms in the digital landscape. Recommendations include implementing stricter privacy protections, enhancing transparency around data usage, and ensuring greater safeguards for young users.

The report calls for Congress to enact comprehensive federal privacy legislation to establish robust consumer data rights.

As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, the FTC’s report highlights how the substantial market power of online platforms can lead to practices that significantly impact consumers.

This underscores the need for careful examination of data practices in relation to competition and consumer privacy.